Ukraine and Turkey’s navies launched a joint military exercise on Monday, as Kiev and Ankara continue to grow closer in the face of their respective stand-offs with Russia.

According to a Facebook post by Ukraine’s Navy, Ukraine and Turkey sent two frigates and a degaussing vessel into the Sea of Marmara on Monday to practice tactical maneuvering, anti-aircraft combat and communication.

“In accordance with the plan for joint activities between the Ukrainian Navy and the Navy of the Republic of Turkey, joint base training to prepare Ukrainian crews at Turkey’s naval facilities is also scheduled,” the statement added.

Crimean Tatar leader says that Kremlin's invasion of Ukraine enhances ties between Kyiv and Ankara. Crimean Tatar Mejlis head and Ukraine's MP Refat Chubarov. wrote on Facebook on March 9: "A few years ago, Russian politicians were warning their Ukrainian counterparts that Turkey 'could allegedly pose' a threat to the territorial integrity of Ukraine. So far, Moscow has done everything to get Kyiv and Ankara united against their common aggressor (Russia)."http://uatoday.tv/politics/russia-s...ine-turkey-rapprochement-chubarov-606838.html